Today was an amazing weather in Rome and even though it is November I have managed to get a sunburn from Roman Sun. Once I saw it was so sunny I literally ran off from my apartment. I’ve even re-took the pictures of some places that I have seen yesterday night. In the a sunny day it always looks better, but don’t forget your sunscreen even in November, because I got sunburn!
- The Pyramid of Caius Cestius, Rome
- Circus Massimo
- Forum Boarium, Rome
- The Colosseum
- Trajan’s Column, Rome
- The Altar of Fatherland
- Mausoleum of Augustus
- Piazza del Popolo, Rome
- Terrazza del Pincio
- Santa Maria in Montesanto
- The Fiumi Fountain
- The Pantheon, Rome
- The Obelisk of Montecitorio
- The Marcus Aurelius Column, Rome
- The Spanish Steps, Rome
- Fontana del Tritone, Rome
- The Trevi Fountain, Rome
- Restaurant La Valle del Sacco
The Pyramid of Caius Cestius, Rome
I’ve tried to take the bus 30 from Pyramid to Pantheon, but after waiting 8min I gave up. I never understand how busses work here. Also, the bus stop was filled with people, so I was pretty sure I would need to wait for next one. Since I still had a valid 24 hour ticket, I took one stop metro to Circo Massimus. The rest is self explanatory.

The Pyramid of Caius Cestius, also known as the Pyramid of Cestius, is an ancient pyramid-shaped tomb located in Rome, Italy. It was built around 18-12 BC as a final resting place for Caius Cestius, a Roman magistrate and member of the religious order known as the Septemviri Epulonum.
The pyramid stands at a height of around 37 meters (121 feet) and is made of brick and concrete. It is faced with white marble on the outside, giving it an impressive and distinctive appearance. The design of the structure is influenced by Egyptian architectural styles, which were popular during the time of its construction.

Originally, the Pyramid of Caius Cestius stood outside the city walls of Rome and was located along the Via Ostiensis, the road that connected Rome to the important port city of Ostia. Over time, the city expanded, and now the pyramid is located within the city limits near the Porta San Paolo.
The pyramid fell into disrepair over the centuries, but in the 17th century, it was restored and remains well-preserved to this day. Currently it closed to tourist visitors.

Porta San Paolo, also known as the Saint Paul’s Gate, is an ancient gate in Rome. It is one of the best-preserved gates in the city and has a significant historical background. The construction of Porta San Paolo dates back to the 3rd century AD during the reign of the Roman Emperor Aurelian.
Originally, Porta San Paolo served as an entrance to the city through the Aurelian Walls, which were built to protect Rome from invasions. The gate was strategically positioned along the Via Ostiensis, the road that connected Rome to the important port city of Ostia.
Throughout history, the area around Porta San Paolo has witnessed various events and transformations. During the Middle Ages, it became a fortified complex known as the Castrum Caetani, which served as a stronghold for different noble families. Later, in the 16th century, the gate was incorporated into the city walls of Pope Sixtus V.


Circus Massimo

Circus Massimo (Circus Maximus) is an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium and entertainment venue. It was the largest such facility in Rome and could accommodate up to 150,000 spectators. The origins of the Circus Maximus date back to the 6th century BC when it was initially used for religious processions and games. Over time, it evolved into a major entertainment venue where chariot races, athletic contests, and other spectacles took place.

During the Roman Empire, the Circus Maximus became one of the most popular and influential venues in the city. The races held there were a significant part of Roman culture and drew large crowds. The popularity of chariot racing reached its peak during the reign of Emperor Augustus, and the Circus Maximus underwent several expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing number of spectators.

Unfortunately, much of the original structure of the Circus Maximus has been lost over time, but what remains is still a reminder of its grandeur.

Forum Boarium, Rome


The Forum Boarium, also known as the Cattle Market of Rome, is located near the Tiber River. It is one of the oldest and most important commercial centres in the city and holds significant historical and cultural value.
Dating back to the 7th century BC, the Forum Boarium was originally a marshy area used as a marketplace for livestock and agricultural products. It played a crucial role in the Roman economy as a hub for trade and commerce. Over time, the area became more developed and transformed into a bustling forum, hosting various markets and activities.
One of the notable features of the Forum Boarium is the Temple of Hercules Victor, also known as the Temple of Hercules Olivarius. Built in the 2nd century BC, it is one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Rome. The temple is dedicated to the Roman demigod Hercules and represents the influence of Greek architecture on Roman culture.

Another important structure in the Forum Boarium is the circular Temple of Portunus, dedicated to the Roman god of ports and harbors. It was constructed in the 1st century BC and features a unique design that combines Etruscan and Greek architectural elements.
Throughout history, the Forum Boarium underwent several changes and witnessed various cultural shifts. It continued to serve as an active commercial centre even during the medieval period and beyond.

And of course there was a running drinkable water fountain and I was hot and thirsty. At that time I didn’t know the trick to close the big hole with a finger so that stream runs upwards and you can drink without touching water. If you’re asking if it is safe to drink, then the answer is YES! The water is constantly running so it is fresh and not stagnated water straight from water pipes.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an ancient Roman structure located in Rome, Italy. It was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in 70-72 AD and completed by his son Titus in 80 AD. The construction of the Colosseum was part of an effort to gain popularity and support from the Roman people.
The Colosseum was built on the site of an artificial lake that was created by Nero, the previous emperor. The lake was drained, and the construction of the amphitheater began using concrete (1.1 million tons), travertine stone and 100,000 cubic meters of marble, which all of it is gone today. It was designed to accommodate various forms of public spectacles, including gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, mock naval battles, and executions.

The Colosseum was an architectural marvel of its time, with a seating capacity of around 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. It had four levels, including a basement area called the hypogeum, which housed the elaborate mechanisms and infrastructure required for the spectacles. The arena itself was a wooden floor covered with sand, where the events took place.
The inauguration of the Colosseum lasted for 100 days and included various games and events, such as gladiatorial contests, animal fights, and naval battles. These spectacles were immensely popular among the Roman people and attracted crowds from across the empire.

The Colosseum continued to be used for public spectacles for centuries, but its popularity declined with the fall of the Roman Empire. Over time, it fell into disrepair, and various earthquakes further damaged the structure. In the medieval era, the Colosseum was seen as a symbol of Rome’s pagan past and was used as a quarry for construction materials.
Despite the damage and looting, the Colosseum remained a prominent landmark in Rome. In the 18th century, efforts began to conserve and restore the structure, and it was declared a sacred site by Pope Benedict XIV in 1749. Restoration and preservation initiatives have continued since then. Today, the Colosseum is a major tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Trajan’s Column, Rome



Trajan’s Market is considered to be the world’s oldest shopping mall. It was built during the reign of Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century AD. The market was part of a larger complex known as Trajan’s Forum, which was a public space that included various buildings and monuments.
Trajan’s Market was built on multiple levels and consisted of a series of shops and offices. The market was designed to cater to the needs of the city’s population, offering a wide variety of goods and services. It also served as a meeting place for social and business gatherings.
The architecture of Trajan’s Market was innovative for its time. The complex featured a combination of brick-faced concrete walls and semi-circular arches. The use of these construction techniques allowed for the creation of large open spaces and improved structural stability.
Over the centuries, Trajan’s Market went through various uses and modifications. It was partially destroyed by a fire in the 3rd century and later repurposed for different purposes, including residential buildings. In the Middle Ages, the complex was incorporated into the fortress of the powerful Roman noble family, the Frangipani
The Altar of Fatherland
Even from simple names it is obvious that patriarchy was dominant in Italy. In many countries they would call motherland.




The Altar of the Fatherland, also known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II or simply Vittoriano, is a large monument in Piazza Venezia. It was built to honor Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy, and is considered a symbol of Italian nationalism.
Construction of the Altar of the Fatherland began in 1885 and took over 20 years to complete. The monument was designed by the architect Giuseppe Sacconi, who won a national competition for his proposal. The construction of the monument required the demolition of a large portion of the Capitoline Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome.

The Altar of the Fatherland was inaugurated on June 4, 1911, and became a centre for national celebrations and ceremonies. It was built to commemorate Victor Emmanuel II, who played a significant role in the unification of Italy. Victor Emmanuel II became the king of Sardinia in 1849 and later became the first king of Italy when it was unified in 1861.
The monument itself is a massive structure made of white marble, with several levels and colonnades. The central portion of the monument houses the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial to the fallen soldiers of Italy in World War I. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded by two soldiers, known as the “Guardians of the Altar.”
You can buy a ticket to go up the monument roof top by a lift (behind the monument) and gaze at the mesmerising view of Rome.







Mausoleum of Augustus


The Mausoleum of Augustus is a large tomb built by the Roman Emperor Augustus in 28 BC on the Campus Martius. It was one of the first projects initiated by Augustus following his victory at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. The mausoleum is located on the Piazza Augusto Imperatore, close to the Ara Pacis and the Tiber River. The structure is made up of a large cylindrical drum surrounded by a tall wall and topped with a cone-shaped roof. Inside, there are several chambers and niches where Augustus’ ashes are kept in an urn. In Middle Ages it was transformed into a castle. As possession changed hands, it was used as a garden, an amphitheatre for bullfighting and firework displays, and even a theatre. In the twentieth century it became the Auditorium Augusteo. During the Fascist era, restoration work was started, but was interrupted by war. In 2007 new excavations were undertaken and since 2016 the mausoleum has undergone conservative restoration in order to bring it back to its former glory and preserve it for future generations. It should be re-opened in September 2023 according to their website and posters on the fence. However, accoridng to their website it will shut again from 2024 June, so do please check prior visiting.

Piazza del Popolo, Rome
Piazza del Popolo for centuries was used as a place for executions and the last one took place took place in 1826.
An Egyptian obelisk of Sety I (now known as Flamino obelisc or Popolo Obelisk) stand in the middle of the square, which was erected in Heliopolis by Rammeses II and was brought to Rome in 10 BC by the order of Augustus. It is the second oldest and on eof the tallest obelisks in Rome!
Piazza del Popoli (or People’s Square) is a huge area dedicated to pedestrians of around 16,000 m² in size! This space hosts various public events as you will see in a picture below there was one of them. Around 65,000 people can fit in this square.
There is also very interesting acoustic effect in this square, that was shown to me by a friend who lives in Rome. Otherwise I wouldn’t have known! If you stand by the fountain Fontana della Dea di Roma in the corner by the wall facing it and talk in a normal voice and another person stand by the end of the wall near the Basilica, you will be able to hear each other and you do no need to shout! Normally you wouldn’t be able to hear it, but due to the structure of the wall, which transfers the sound by conduction (not reflection!). You can possibly even here the person even if they are whispering! Try it out! The effect is known as “echo” of Piazza del Popolo by locals.


Fontana della Dea di Roma was designed by the Italian architect Giuseppe Valadier and completed in 1823. The fountain features a statue of the goddess Roma, adorned with armor, is seen donning a helmet and clutching a spear, while at her feet rests the she-wolf nurturing the twin brothers, Romulus and Remus – symbol of Rome.



Terrazza del Pincio
Go up the hill from Piazza del Popolo to Terrazza del Pincio to enjoy a nice view of Piazza del Popolo from above, which I did on another day with a bit of overcast.


Santa Maria in Montesanto

Santa Maria in Montesanto is a Roman Catholic church and it was built in the 17th century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary under her title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The church features a Baroque façade, an elliptical nave and several works of art by famous Italian painters such as Guido Reni, Domenichino, and Pietro da Cortona. The interior of the church also contains several statues, frescoes, and sculptures.

The Fiumi Fountain

The Fiumi Fountain is a beautiful and unique fountain that was built in the late 16th century and features an ornate design with two tiers of water flowing from the top down into a central basin. The fountain is decorated with a variety of statues, including the God of the River Tiber, Neptune, and numerous other figures.

The Pantheon, Rome

The Pantheon is an ancient Roman temple, which was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa, a Roman general, and was originally built in 27 BCE. However, the current structure dates back to around 118-125 AD and finished around 125 AD, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It is one of the best preserved of all Roman buildings.
The Pantheon was designed as a temple dedicated to the worship of all gods, representing the inclusiveness of the Roman religious beliefs. Its name, “Pantheon,” translates to “All the gods” in Greek.

The temple’s architecture is considered a marvel of ancient engineering and design. It is a circular building with a portico of large granite Corinthian columns (eight in the first rank and two groups of four behind) under a pediment. The building is topped with a concrete dome, which has been the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world for over 2000 years, which still remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. The dome’s construction techniques and materials used were highly advanced for the time, emphasising the Romans’ architectural ingenuity. It is estimated that around 4,535 metric tons (5,000 short tons) of concrete were used to built it with the walls of around 6.4 meters and narrowing down to 4.5 meters as you go up towards the top, with a slight curvature of the walls when going up. It is also speculated that Pantheon originally had (covering the walls) around 21,000 metric tons of marble, which all of it is gone today from the outside.

The interior of the Pantheon showcases a circular rotunda with a height and diameter of 43.3 meters (142 feet). The dome features a large central oculus, an opening that allows natural light to illuminate the interior. This oculus is also responsible for the impressive phenomenon of the “sunbeam effect,” where sunlight filters through the opening and creates a dramatic spotlight effect on the floor below.

Over the centuries, the Pantheon has undergone various transformations and adaptations. In the 7th century, it was converted into a Christian church, which likely contributed to its exceptional preservation. The building has survived wars, fires, and natural disasters, making it one of the best-preserved ancient Roman structures in the world.



The Obelisk of Montecitorio

The Obelisk of Montecitorio is an ancient Egyptian obelisk standing on the site of the former Roman Forum and was erected by Pharaoh Ramses II in 1250 BC. The obelisk is 28.75 meters tall and is made of pink granite. Its hieroglyphic inscription honours Ramses II and celebrates his victory over the Hittites at Kadesh.
The Marcus Aurelius Column, Rome

The Marcus Aurelius Column is a Roman triumphal column located in the Piazza Colonna. It was constructed in the year 180 AD by order of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius to commemorate his successful campaigns in Germania. The column is topped by a bronze statue of the emperor and stands 25.45 meters high. It is one of the most famous monuments in Rome and both the column and the statue are an excellent example of Roman sculpture.




The Spanish Steps, Rome

The Spanish Steps, or Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti in Italian, is a monumental stairway located in Rome, Italy. It connects the Piazza di Spagna at the base with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top.
The construction of the Spanish Steps began in 1723 and was funded by the French diplomat Étienne Gueffier. The idea behind the project was to create a connection between the Spanish Embassy, located in the Piazza di Spagna, and the Trinità dei Monti church, which was under the protection of the French crown.
The design of the stairway is attributed to the Italian architect Francesco de Sanctis. It consists of 135 steps divided into 12 flights and features a mix of curves, straight sections, and terraces.
At the top of the Spanish Steps is the Trinità dei Monti church, a French Renaissance-style building that was completed in 1585. The church adds to the grandeur of the stairway and provides a stunning backdrop for visitors.

Throughout the years, the Spanish Steps have become a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists. The elegant design, along with the numerous cafes and shops located nearby, has made it a vibrant and bustling area in the heart of Rome’s historic centre.
The Spanish Steps have also been featured in various works of art and literature, contributing to their fame. One notable example is the 1953 film “Roman Holiday,” starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, where the steps play a prominent role.



The Sallustiano Obelisk is a granite obelisk. It was originally constructed in the ancient Egyptian city of Heliopolis during the reign of Pharaoh Nectanebo I (380–362 BC). The obelisk was brought to Rome by the Roman Emperor Augustus and erected in the gardens of his family villa, the Gardens of Sallust, in 10 BC. The obelisk stands 9.5 meters high and weighs 33 tons. It is inscribed with hieroglyphic symbols and images depicting religious ceremonies.



Fontana del Tritone, Rome

Fontana del Tritone, located in the Piazza Barberini, is a famous baroque fountain that was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII in the 17th century. The fountain was designed by the renowned sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini and completed in 1643.
The central figure of the fountain is a Triton, a mythological creature from Greek and Roman mythology, depicted as a merman with the upper body of a man and the lower body of a fish. The Triton is shown blowing water through a conch shell, which serves as the main source of water for the fountain.
The Fontana del Tritone was the first fountain in Rome to use a large shell as a main element, which became a popular motif in later baroque fountains. The design of the fountain is characterized by its dynamic movement and dramatic expression, typical of Bernini’s style.
Originally, the fountain was located closer to the centre of the Piazza Barberini. However, in the 19th century, it was moved to its current location to make space for the construction of the Via Veneto.
The Trevi Fountain, Rome


The Trevi Fountain is one of the most iconic monument and most visited fountains in the world, located in the Trevi district. Its history dates back to the 18th century.
The construction of the Trevi Fountain began in 1732 under the direction of architect Nicola Salvi. The fountain was commissioned by Pope Clement XII to replace an earlier fountain that stood in the same location. It took several decades to complete, with different architects and sculptors involved in the project.
The fountain is designed in the Baroque style and features a grand and elaborate facade. The central figure is Oceanus, the god of the sea, who is depicted riding in a chariot pulled by two sea horses. The tritons, who are half-man and half-fish, accompany Oceanus, while other statues and reliefs adorn the rest of the fountain.
The most famous aspect of the Trevi Fountain is the tradition of throwing coins into the water. Legend has it that if you toss a coin into the fountain over your left shoulder with your right hand, you are ensured a return to Rome in the future. This tradition has made the fountain a symbol of good luck and has contributed to its popularity among visitors.
The Trevi Fountain underwent various renovations and restorations over the years to preserve its beauty and structural integrity. The most recent and extensive restoration took place between 2014 and 2015, sponsored by the Italian fashion brand Fendi.

Restaurant La Valle del Sacco
In the end of the day I had a dinner (came in around 8:10pm) at local restaurant La Valle del Sacco, not far from where I was staying at Piramide. The service was quite fast and the pizza with salsicha I’ve ordered was very good. I also had arancini as a starter (as most of the food was sold out at 8:15pm!) and a glass of wine. Really like it, wasn’t too busy, nice atmosphere, but do come early as food finished soon!

Eating pizza in Rome reminded me a scene from Eat Pray Love, where Julia Roberts was eating pizza in Naples. After all day walking it was really good carbs!


Also came back to the same restaurant the other night 9:31pm and got the dishes I wanted – steak and porn burrata (fried burrata). Both were so delicious that my mouth starts juicing just remembering it!


Make sure to explore Rome at night as it has almost no people at the famous landmarks. Also the Roman columns and obelisks look very different at night too!